Plan Your Trip

We are located off U.S. Route 285 at the north edge of Carlsbad, New Mexico, at an elevation of 3,200 feet atop the Ocotillo Hills overlooking the city  Pecos River. The zoo is open every day except Christmas.

The zoo is open every day except Christmas Day. 

• Summer Hours (Memorial Day to Labor Day) 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM 
  • Last entrance into the Zoo: 3:30 PM
• Winter Hours (Labor Day to Memorial Day) 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Last entrance into the Zoo: 3:30 PM

Admission Fees

• Adult (13 and older)……………$5.00
• Children (7 – 12 years)………….$3.00
• Children (6 and under)…………Free
• Group Rates (20 or more)……$3.00 per person
• Youth Education Groups………$0.50 per person (Reservations appreciated.) 
• Friends of the Living Desert Members……Free with Membership
• AZA members from other zoos who have a reciprocal agreement with our Zoo will receive free or half price admission. Please check with your organization.

•  Good walking shoes, a hat, water, sunblock, and coming early in the day are recommended during the summer when temperatures can reach over 100 degrees. 
•  Although there are drinking fountains in several locations, it is advised that visitors carry water with them.
• We have electric scooters that can be rented for $5.00. 
• Wheelchairs and strollers are available free of charge.

• Only service animals are permitted into the Zoo. We do not have kennels. 
• Please do not leave pets in your vehicle, especially when it is hot.
• Smoking is not permitted in the zoo.

Snack and drink vending machines are located in the visitors’ center. Zoo visitors may use the picnic tables located near the visitors’ center. School groups that are planning to eat at the zoo should reserve the tables beforehand. Restaurants are within a few miles of the Zoo.